Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) has launched an antitrust investigation into the US-based technology company Apple, according to a statement issued via Telegram.
The investigation follows allegations that Apple failed to remove restrictions on domestic search engines and applications. This includes not allowing the pre-installation of the Russian national messaging app MAX and a domestic app store on iPhone and iPad devices using the iOS operating system.
In June, Apple removed several applications from the App Store, including VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, VK Video, VK Music, VK Messenger, Mail, Dzen, and Skillbox, which belong to the Russian technology company VK.
Compliance and Potential Penalties
The FAS stated in a written announcement that Apple did not fully comply with obligations set in a warning sent to the company in early July. In early July, the service had given Apple until July 15 to end discriminatory practices against Russian search engines and applications.
The FAS stated that the case was opened in accordance with the Law on Protection of Competition and previous law enforcement practice regarding Apple, which has been confirmed by the courts.
If the investigation determines that Apple violated competition law, the company may face a fine. The FAS stated that Apple would face a fine under Russia's Code of Administrative Offenses if found to have violated the law.
Under current requirements, smartphones, tablets, and computers sold in Russia must offer a search engine developed in Russia or in the Eurasian Economic Union as a default option.
